This is not a paid post. Flights were courtesy of British Airways.
Small and compact, London City airport makes travelling a pleasure. There is only one terminal. Check-in or bag drop is speedy and going through security is a breeze compared with Heathrow or Gatwick. So you have more time to mooch round the shops or enjoy a coffee at one of its cafés or restaurants.
London City is the airport equivalent of a boutique hotel, a
touch of class with excellent service. I always try to use this airport when I can.
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| Courtesy of British Airways |
Another plus for London City is that it is easy to get to as
it has marvellous transport links from central London. Even though I live nearer to Heathrow, by train, it is quicker for me to
get to this airport. When you return you never have to experience the dreadful
queues for immigration that you experience with the larger airports. Your
luggage always seems to be waiting for you when you get through customs and you
are out before you know it.
I was delighted
recently to discover that British Airways has launched a flight direct to
Milan’s Linate airport, which is only approximately four miles from the Italian
city's centre. Milan is a great destination for shopping and
experiencing exquisite Italian food and wine. Everything here is so stylish,
including the people.
You can also combine a break here or extend your business
trip with a few days by the spectacularly beautiful Lake Como or a visit to
Turin, a city that oozes elegance and charm as well as dishing up excellent
fare.
Check-in at
City Airport was a pleasant experience. The British Airways rep was
chatty and most efficient. It was a great start to the holiday. I travelled
Club Europe which has a host of benefits. Along with gold, silver and bronze
cardholders, you can board before other passengers. Though to be fair,
embarkation is always civilised with BA, especially from this airport,
whichever class you fly.
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| Courtesy of British Airways |
Travelling Club Europe gives you that extra comfort, plenty
of space and lets you relax in style. The real benefit of flying BA, no matter
whether you are in business or economy, is that you always feel as if you are
in a safe pair of hands. There seems to be a reassurance that the crew would
know what it was do in the case of an emergency. The training the staff receive
is, arguably, one of the best in the business. All you have to do is sit back,
unwind and enjoy the flight.
Following a couple of stressful days at home, a glass of
champagne was exactly what I needed for that flying start. Champagne Castelnau
Reserve Brut NV is now being served on its short-haul flights. The Reims-based
house, founded in 1916, is owned by the owned by the Coopérative Régionale des
Vins de Champagne. The wine is chardonnay-dominated so is fresh and crisp
on the palate.
Leaving London, we had a full English breakfast, which was
actually brunch, with a good helping of fruit salad to start. On the return,
apéritifs were served followed by dinner. I plumped for the fish and chips
served with mushy peas, accompanied by an appetising green salad and a good
selection of bread. (Washing it down with a glass of champagne felt so
decadent.) There was also a tempting chocolate cake for dessert. Coffee and tea
were offered as well. By the time I ploughed my way through all this, it was
nearly time to land.
Another plus of flying Club Europe is that there is a
British Airways Galleries lounge at
Linate where you can while away the time before your flight over a glass
of wine or a coffee and enjoy a bite to eat or work. Just remember to give
yourself plenty of time to get to the gate.
This lounge is before EU passport control which could mean having to
queue making you late at the gate.
I have never had a bad experience with British Airways
flights operated by CityFlyer. The service is always outstanding. There is a
wide choice of European destinations whether you are travelling for business or
pleasure. You can even travel to New
York from here on flights that are business class only. This is how
flying should be!
By Daralyn Danns
Getting
there
British
Airways flies from London City to Milan Linate up to twice a day during the
week with one flight on Saturdays and Sundays
Advance
purchase each way. Basic fares are available from £47 and are available
to book on www.ba.com/londoncity
Club Europe fares include a generous baggage allowance,
complimentary refreshments and drinks on board and no debit card charges
Customers have a quick and easy journey through the
Docklands airport, with hand baggage it takes just 15 minutes to get from
kerbside to airside. (It did not take me much longer to get airside despite
having luggage to check in.)
